Don't dig yourself into a hole when you shovel snow

Our images of snow falling gently to the ground bring in warn thoughts of a fire place roaring, maybe hot coffee or cocoa soothing those tired sore bones after a long winter day.  For me; however, it bring in thoughts of snow shoveling, snow blowing and a skid steer pushing snow from congested areas.

Being a person senior in age, shoveling a driveway can be a strenuous workout.  Every winter people hurt themselves shoveling snow, ranging from minor aches and pulled muscles to fatal heart attacks.

What folks often fail to realize is that shoveling is more than just a chore.  It puts a lot of stress on and in the body in a short period of time.  Shoveling snow is like picking up weights, it's a lot of work.  Cold weather and physical exertion put additional strain on your heart.

Folks who migrate here from southern states, in my view, have a far greater chance of hurting themselves because their not use to the demands of the northwest and how really cold it gets here.  Even people who live here year round find life here in the winter strenuous primarily because of the physical demands placed on the body from moving snow.

Don't get me wrong, not everyone who shovels snow is going to have a heart attack.  Snow shoveling can be good exercise when performed correctly and with safety in mind.  If you exercise regularly and are not at risk of heart disease, shoveling snow is a great work out.  Shoveling improperly; however, could lead to a strained back, please be careful

Back injuries are among the most common injuries resulting from snow shoveling.  If you're going to shovel, stretch first and warm up those muscles.  Most back injuries happen in the morning, those tissues around the spine is not warmed up and stretched from activity.  Start later in the day after the body has worked out all of the kinks from the night before.  Please take your time when shoveling; rushing will only cause an injury.

For most folks over 50 most of our injuries are caused from slipping on the ice.  Please be careful when walking out side.

Here are some shoveling tips to prevent back injury and strain:

1. If your inactive and have a history of heart trouble, talk to your doctor before you take on the task of shoveling snow.

2. Avoid caffeine or nicotine before you start shoveling.  These stimulants can cause an increase in your heart rate.

3. Drink plenty of water.  Dehydration is just as big an issue in cold weather as it is in the summer months.

4. Wear several layers of clothing so you can remove them as you warm up.

5. Stretch and warm up before you start shoveling.

6. Pick the right shovel for you, one that fits your height and don't get a shovel blade that is to big, smaller ones will put less strain on your back.

7. Begin slowly and gradually pick up the pace.

8. Give yourself frequent breaks.

9. Stand with your feet hips width apart and bend your knees as you pick up the snow.

10. Wear good boots with slip resistant soles.

If you fear you're unable to tackle this task, hire a neighborhood kid to shovel after a storm; or have a contractor plow after heavy snow fall.  It's probably money well spent.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to madan@nwees.com or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church street, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What would Ed do?  For more information about Ed, and his new handyman services, check him out at NWEES.COM.

n Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.